Grading Jae Crowder’s team-friendly deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

Jae Crowder’s long-term outlook with the Milwaukee Bucks

This is the definition of a “prove it” deal. Crowder likely hoped that he would earn a nice payday in free agency this past off-season, but a rough few month stretch in Milwaukee destroyed that idea. Now, he’s willing to bite the bullet this season to prove that he’s still got some juice and can help a team contending for a championship. If Jae Crowder plays well for the Bucks this season, he could undoubtedly cash out on a new deal next off-season.

For now, everything involving Crowder focuses on the present. If he wants to earn that new deal, he’ll have to bounce back. The Bucks have made it clear that they’d like to keep him around, but a handful of other teams would certainly like to have him as well. If Crowder does indeed look like a much better version of himself next season, teams could come calling, and if they offer more than Milwaukee does, he could certainly head elsewhere. Again, that’s not important right now, as the forward’s only thoughts should be getting ready for next season.

Crowder and the Bucks have the potential to be a perfect pairing for many years to come, but it all hinges on how the veteran forward plays this coming season.